Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsO'Brien's Oyster Bar & Seafood TavernPenne With Vodka Crab Sauce Recipe

Penne With Vodka Crab Sauce Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Penne with Lump Crab meat sautéed with shallots, garlic with marinara, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and vodka

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Method

Pasta Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Penne

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauce Preparation

  1. 2

    Sauté Aromatics

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 3

    Add Crab and Vodka

    Carefully add the lump crab meat to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Pour in the vodka and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

  3. 4

    Incorporate Marinara and Cream

    Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes.

  4. 5

    Season the Sauce

    Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

  5. 6

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the crab sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

  6. 7

    Finish with Parmesan

    Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve immediately.

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